How to make Google Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and a specific interface. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and lack of intrusive advertising. There are several ways to switch the browser by default to Xiaomi, but the process has nuances depending on the version of MIUI and device model.

In this article, you’ll find current methods for MIUI 12-14, including bypassing system constraints if the standard method doesn’t work. We’ll also look at why Chrome might not appear in the default browser list and how to fix it. Instructions are suitable for most models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

MIUI firmware has historically been known for its “careful” attitude to the user, sometimes excessive, including its attachment to branded services, including the Mi Browser, and the key reasons why changing browsers can cause difficulties:

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the firmware (especially in Chinese). ROM) The default browser list is artificially shortened or hidden.
• 📦 Chrome's lack of system settings: Even after installing Chrome may not appear in the browser selection menu due to cache or conflict with the browser. MIUI.
• 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings: After the update MIUI Browser default settings are sometimes reset.
• 🛡️ Security and Advertising: Xiaomi is interested in using Mi Browser because of integrated advertising and data collection (even with personalized ads disabled).

For example, on Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5, users often find Chrome disappearing from the list of browsers after a reboot, due to optimization of MIUI memory, which “forgets” the settings of third-party applications, solutions for such cases we will discuss in the section on troubleshooting.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most devices with MIUI Global (European/international firmware).

1. Install Google Chrome from Google Play if it is not already installed.
2. Open any application that uses the browser (e.g., Settings → About Phone → System Update).
3. When you try to open a web page, a window will appear asking “Open with....” Click “Always” and select Chrome.
4. Confirm your choice in the system window.

If the browser selection window does not appear, manually navigate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. Slip on the browser and select Chrome from the list.

Install the latest version of Chrome from Google Play|

Close all background apps (especially Mi Browser)|

Check for MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone |

Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings-->

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro MIUI 13) the paragraph "Default applications" may not be available. In this case, use an alternative method.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if Chrome isn’t displayed)

If Chrome is installed but does not appear in the default browser list, the problem may be in the system cache or conflict with MIUI.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the reset. This will return all the factory link opening settings, but it won't delete the application data.
4. After the reboot, try to open the link again - a window with the choice of browser should appear.

If the reset didn’t help, check if Chrome is disabled in the battery settings:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management applications.
2. Find Chrome in the list and set it to “No Limits” mode.
3. Also, turn off the option “Optimization” for Chrome. MIUI" under “Special permissions".

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (advanced)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Chinese ROM or heavily modified firmware), you can apply the ADB command. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and turning on the developer mode.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
3. Download ADB Tools to your computer and unpack the archive.

Step 2: Execution of the command:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and select the File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should see your device) adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.chrome adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.DEFAULT_BROWSER
4. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If the instructions are incorrectly entered, do not use this method on devices with a blocked bootloader, which can cause system errors.

💡

If ADB Chrome doesn’t appear in the list after the commands, try removing the Mi Browser updates through Settings → Apps → Mi Browser → Three Dots → Remove the updates. Then repeat the procedure.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

Solving common problems

Problem 1: Chrome is installed, but does not appear in the list of browsers.

• 🔄 Reinstall Chrome (remove and install again).
• 📥 Check if Chrome permissions are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Permits.
• 🔧 Perform reset application settings (see Method 2).

Problem 2: After the smartphone is rebooted, the browser is reset to Mi Browser.

• 🔋 Turn off Chrome battery optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimization MIUI.
• 🛡️ Add Chrome to Secure Apps (in the security settings).
• 🔄 Repeat the default browser selection after each reboot (temporary solution).

Problem 3: Chrome is not available on Google Play on Chinese firmware (China ROM).

• 🌍 Install. APK Chrome manually (download only from verified sources!).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader and swipe Global ROM (risk-taking).
• 🛠️ Use alternative browsers (such as Firefox or Kiwi Browser).

💡

On China ROM, Google Chrome can be blocked at the system level, in which case the only working solutions are to install the APK manually or flash it to the global version of MIUI.

How to check that Chrome has become the default browser?

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Open any application that uses web pages (such as Twitter or Telegram).
2. Slip on any link in the post or message.
3. If the link opened in Chrome without additional windows, the setup is successful.
4. For double check, go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Browser. Chrome should be selected there.

If links still open in Mi Browser, check:

• 🔗 Is there a link redirect in the Mi Browser itself (go to the Mi Browser Settings) → Open links → Always in this app and disable the option).
• 📱 Are you using the "Lite Mode" in the MIUI — He's forced to open links to Mi Browser.
• 🔄 Have you been reset after the update? MIUI (Check the firmware version in Settings → The phone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi